Reports to: Econ Development Manager            Class Code:  1824

Grade: 109        FLSA: Exempt

Hourly Wage:  $40.79 ~ $48.95

NATURE OF WORK 

Serving the public with project management, administrative and technical work to advance economic development opportunities.  This position plans, organizes, and implements the economic development programs of the City to promote the growth and development of the City’s economic base, assists in the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and vigorously seeks out new businesses for the City.  This position plays a key role in City priorities by defining, aligning, and redeveloping investment, real estate, and infrastructure.  This is a project management role that incudes strategic planning and technical work to strengthen Rockford’s economic base.  The position has considerable interface with all departments of the City, City Council, and the development and business community.      

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES 

This is a professional project-management position responsible for the implementation, development and creation of economic development activities to achieve the community’s vision and goals related to job growth.  Work requires ability to create resources to ensure success of plan.  The role will require establishing and implementing new initiatives to meet City and Department goals.  The position will involve activities with public funding sources including local, state, and federal including Tax Increment Financing Districts, River Edge Redevelopment Zone, Enterprise Zone, Community Development Block Grant, and other financial programs and sources.  Additionally, the role will involve a high-level of inter-division collaboration. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These essential duties are only illustrative.) 

Assists with implementation of the City’s economic development programs, including Community Development Block Grant, Tax Increment Financing districts, Enterprise Zones, River Edge Redevelopment Zone and other related business development activities.  

Develops programs for business growth and property development that advance City priorities using City’s cost reduction tools or funding sources.  

Manages projects and Program administration including analysis of Program impact.

Manages assigned development and redevelopment projects.

Prepares TIF Proforma increment projections and other financial analysis.  

Leads TIF projects that may range from prospecting projects to active TIF projects.  

Assists in managing TIF administration along with Economic Development Manager and Fiscal Coordinator. 

Leads City’s involvement in state RFIs by supporting GRCC.

Develops requests for proposals (RFPs), conducts project evaluations, and coordinates 

development agreements

Assists with development and execution of plans for redevelopment areas with City staff, private and public partners, and consultants, which may involve development of industrial parks, commercial focus areas, neighborhood supportive services.  Reviews and evaluates work of consultants and partners.

Markets and recruits new industrial and commercial business to locate within the City. 

Oversees the management of identified projects and develops a comprehensive schedule and timeline. 

Attends various departmental and division staff meetings, as well as City Council Planning and Development Committee meetings.  Makes public presentations and responds to questions and comments. 

Leads engagement with industry organizations including Rock River Valley Tooling and 

Machining Association, R1 Planning, IMEC, RAAN and other stakeholders and industry organizations.

Presents technical policy options for consideration by Administration and City Council.   

Serves as the liaison between the local government and the chamber of commerce, merchants association, sister cities, and other public and private or nonprofit groups and associations interested in economic development. 

Maintains reasonable and predictable attendance. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED 

Works under the general supervision of the Economic Development Manager with additional guidance provided by the Community Development Director and City Administrator.  

Work is performed according to extensive state and federal regulations particularly at times when utilizing EZ, CDBG, EDA, and TIF financing.  Work is reviewed through established city, department, and program checks and balances, with substantive policy and procedural changes, major expenditures or special projects being reviewed by the department director or other city officials.  Work is reviewed annually for overall results achieved. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED 

Supervision of staff is not a direct responsibility of this position although it may oversee individuals assigned to assist in the implementation of specific projects.  May coordinate efforts of various agencies responsible for development services.   

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Work is performed primarily in an office environment, however work activities may require travel to various sites throughout the city and out-of-town travel for business recruitment, to attend meetings and conferences as required. 

 SUCCESS FACTORS (KSAs) 

Considerable knowledge of community economic development, including business attraction, expansion, and retention with a special emphasis on commercial and industrial development. 

Considerable knowledge of complex and discretionary elements of real estate development activities, including project management and coordination of various ad hoc inter/intra departmental project teams.   

Considerable knowledge of HUD “Special Economic Development Activities”, EDA programs, and State of IL TIF provisions and Enterprise Zone implementation.  

Knowledge of current and historic problems and issues facing Minority and Women owned businesses. 

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to make effective presentations in meetings and using PowerPoint when appropriate.  

Ability to understand and explain complex concepts related to development projects, real estate transactions, and financial agreements. 

Ability to supervise and direct the work of others as needed  

Ability to manage multiple programs and projects. 

Skill in the use and care of a personal computer with a special emphasis on developing and evaluating pro forma for real estate development and business use. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE  

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Real Estate, Public Administration, Planning, Marketing, Economics, or related field with a minimum of 7 years progressively responsible experience in the public or private sector, creating development plans with the predominate use being industrial.  Must also have experience in the promotion and coordination of various programs for implementing such plans.  Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience. 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Residency requirement:  

All employees (except Police and Fire) shall reside anywhere in Winnebago County or anywhere within fifteen (15) miles of the Rockford City Hall within six (6) months of completion of their introductory period, department heads and City Administrator shall live within the municipal boundaries of the City of Rockford within six (6) months of their completion of their introductory period.